Building a Dumble

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Live Stream with lots of playing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGGpoIucbZJ0ea8

[@dwaynedelario]

Dude this is so incredibly f'kin rad. This is an intensely complicated circuit and you absolutely nailed it. Your patience and methodical approach paid off and I applaud you for showing that kind of stamina. Even if the amp sounded like garbage this would be a massive win, but it sounds phenomenal from this side of the digital fence. Just dealing with the Mouser interface alone for sourcing all these caps and resistors is a huge time investment, let alone comparing schematics and photos for proper layout. For this to be your third amp build is unbelievably righteous. Bravo man!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for the kind words. Your so right about mouser 😂 Getting the right parts from them alone is a win

[@MarketingVideography]

Im in love. Amp garage Saturday! Birthday gift June 2025 starting today! ❤

[@k-9thecat765]

Man...... I created my own branched 9vDC power supply long ago.... I took a year of electronics in Highschool... Thought It'd be a cake-walk.... I encountered problems just with the SUPER-SIMPLE design I came up with... To take this project on.... You're the man....!!!

[@jfturner67]

I can’t even imagine how satisfying it was to work through this project and have it turn out so successfully. Congrats!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, for sure! Thanks!

[@Ampman007]

I’ve been building amps for years. Great hobby. It should be mentioned that Alexander Dumble knew his amps were unique so he coated most of the inside with a black silicone so amp builders couldn’t reverse engineer them. I could only imagine the guys that picked all that out of one of his amps just so I could be cloned. Great channel!

[@thomaslenz7306]

Hello Michael, great video, thank you. I too (started to) build a Dumble myself years ago. What an experience, as the electric idiot I was by that time, just with a pro looking over my shoulder from time to time and keeping me from lethal mistakes. I had a lot of flaws in it and it landed as a project in the basement, quite an expensive collection of spareparts. Your video encouraged me to restart and finish the project soon. Thank you for the impulse. May the electric shock be with you.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! You got this!

[@danielcgomez]

You did well to build that amp and not have any teething issues, congrats! I built a Ceriatone Kit of Robben Fords Amp, and it came out great ...no issues at all! I spent almost a month studying the schematic, the circuit layout & some high resolution photos on Ceriatones Build albums. I copied the lead dress from the photos, and the Amp has a very low noise floor ...super quiet! One thing that I did when I was working on the Front panel controls was to install the pots & switches thru the front panel & inverted, so I didn't have to work in the tight chassis. Once I was completed with that, I just removed the assembly and installed it correctly. Very happy with the amp! Enjoy yours!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@Carlos-Rodrigues]

Congratulations for your hard work. I am a happy owner of a Dumble clone like yours with 15W output and you are right, this amp is just magic ! I wish modern amps could be built that way. Sure you now understand how hard it is to build this amp (and probably other types of amps are easier to build, who knows). Play a lot and if you can improve your amp please do it and show us all how beautiful your mind can be creative 🙏 A big thank you for your hard work ❤️

[@williambock1821]

Nice job for your third build! Especially with a Dumble clone. You took your time instead of rushing to see if it’ll work. That makes a HUGE difference. The only problem with building an amp that works right away is you miss an opportunity to learn why it’s not working. So if you or anyone watching builds an amp and it doesn’t work, just know you’ve been presented a great opportunity to learn about amps instead of just following directions. 🙂

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Very true!

[@Emperorjones]

Michael, looks and sounds great. That moment of flipping the switch, been there, felt that moment many times. Well done. 👊

[@Marcus_C51]

Absolutely amazed and impressed Michael! As others have said, the pretty and clean wiring job alone is a work of art. I think it's safe to say that the immense amount of time you put in on this build was more than worth it-that Dumble 124 of yours is a radiant beast! Man, when you cranked it up it had me grinning, that is one serious amp you have there! Congratulations sir!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

man, I can hear all kinds of nuance in the sound, whether clean or some overdrive, and I'm not even picking the guitar -- yet I can hear how it's responding to your picking, I can really hear it!! You must have done a good job, well done!

[@johnvcougar]

Amazing looking wiring internals, something to aspire to for us small build enthusiasts! Very nicely done, Mikey!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@alguitarchristie]

Sounded absolutely killer dude! And you are such a dynamic player, you deserve a Dumble! You are a very tasteful player and it responds to your touch! Good job fella! That's your amp!!! Live it!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

[@soapboxearth2]

Very nice build. Have you ever thought of building a trainwreck? I've built a couple express'. They can do anything. Incredible cleans , all the way to super saturated, gorgeous, harmonically rich overtones. I've always been into tweed and plexi amps, but they do not even compare to a trainwreck.. the honeymoon phase will never end, lol. They are a very simple build as well

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! I have actually and even a tarted researching it but got busy. It seems like a pretty easy build overall especially compared to this one. I still can’t believe it fired up first time 😂

[@scottketterer1672]

Awesome. I have a 183 build planned. Finished an SSS 002 recently (thanks to the amp garage).

[@rcanderson4328]

Are there any low wattage builds?

[@stevesuv]

Great Job

[@anthonysilva5312]

Good on you bruh! Proud of you taking on a project like this! (100 watts…your neighbours must love you!)🇨🇦

[@JagStar]

Great job man! The first play tones sound great! Congrats 😊 Can’t wait for the full on demo!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks Jag!

[@utahprepper8925]

It's always nice when you fire up your amp build and the Magic Genie Smoke doesn't escape.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Absolutely!

[@dr_tomK]

Great to see your project come to life. Nicely done.

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

Wow, I love that. I feel very inspired! If a year long video in the making doesn’t deserve a like, none do! Great stuff Michael 🎉

[@drivenmad7676]

I'm really impressed when i see a man create an amp or guitar.

[@PaulDatta]

This is amazing. What a journey, and great tones. Looking forward to more videos featuring this amp.

[@DanielPearsonRoseCityWriter]

This is awesome that someone would take the time to do this right.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I wasn’t sure if I’d do it again (even though I’d love to) so I figured I would do it as well as I could with quality parts and whatnot

[@jjnolan]

Incredible. Well done. Sounds great. Looking forward to the demo video. Congratulations.

[@bbmade]

Dumble build for your third amp? You have my respect sir 👍 One of these days I have to take the leap. Great video!

[@HarrisonSD03]

How cool would it be if a legendary amp builder is born through this "rabbit hole?"

[@stratonarrow]

What an epic video, holy cow. I've done a few DIY pedals, but never an amp. This is just fantastic! Beautiful work, and your tone and playing is great too. Oh, and nice Vita hat!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Good eye on the hat! I stopped in on a tour date last year

[@ampguy]

Great looking and great sounding build Michael. I know exactly what you meant when you mentioned it took longer than you first thought but I am sure its worth it!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Absolutely worth it! Nothing quite like playing a great sounding amp that you built yourself

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Pretty incredible project, Michael. Very well done.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Congratulations on an awesome build man. I'm building a tweed princeton this weekend, but taking a class to do it not being tech savvy - more like technophobic. Cheers!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome, have fun!

[@davidnoren603]

Best of luck building the tweed. I built a Princeton Reverb last year and it is glorious. I would recommend that you check out Rob Robinettes site. Also consider adding the negative feedback switch to add some versatility to the amp. Cheers

[@k-9thecat765]

I remember reading about the time/process Dumble created... I found out that even the length of a jumper wire could effect the build when my AC30TBX 63' reissue needed some love ..

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yes, there are a lot of variables for sure!

[@leelossi1257]

What an incredible sounding Amp!!

[@picksalot1]

Congrats and Kudos on your successful Amp build. Sounds good! I use a Modeler, but I also listen to Amps for comparison, and even watch some Amp Repair Channels to improve my understanding of how vintage Amps work, sound, where things tend to break, and how to fix them. The Psionic Audio Channel is one of my favorites.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, love that channel!

[@eugene2876]

I saw and touched a Dumble 25 yrs ago. Wish I'd got to play it. Yours sounds nioice. Can't wait for the demo video.

[@lorenzopincinato5731]

Oh man, that's awesome, I started planning my ODS build this week!!!

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

The wiring looks beautiful!

[@MoreMeRecording]

Sounds fantastic. I could really hear someone like David Grissom rockin the daylights out this. A very toney beast you've created there!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, for sure! I’ve always thought of him as a Dumble style player even though I don’t think he’s ever had one (could be wrong, not 100%)

[@ztfstudio]

Great sound! I can tell you put in the needed time to make this project a win, congrats!

[@songboy40]

I'm late to party here. I just wanted to say NICE! JOB!. I would love to build an amp, one day. Congrats!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!!

[@MarketingVideography]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Any way we can pay for a parts list? Your real world experience in invaluable, as some internet lists arent accurate.

[@MarketingVideography]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Also love your tele. What brand?

[@rdfindley56]

For 3 amps in.. your build skills are looking solid! Very nice results!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! I try to take my time

[@boco1951]

Sounds really good 👍

[@PAHVID]

Sounds fantastic! Congratulations on a successful build!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@larrybethune3909]

Loving that amp...and that nasty ass Gold Top!

[@matts8657]

Wow! 😮 So cool man! I admire your patience!!

[@jayguitar]

Hey Michael, beautiful build man! I love how neat and tidy you made the amp inside. I have built a few amps and that’s something I always shoot for. Makes a difference to noise levels and also looks amazing. The amp sounds amazing too man. Well done on the build. I have 3 builds which I need to do this year! Your video has reminded me that I need to get started! Lol! I’m gonna go check out the other build videos you have done too 😊 have a great day man.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Thanks

[@JasonBabineau]

if i had the patience..id love to build a great handwired amp, but id build many of them. It seems like you did a super job. Looking forward to hearing that beast!

[@BlugubriousMusic]

Positive unintended consequence: I am not prone to try something like this. That said, I was encouraged or even strengthened to think more positively about some work I will be doing on some gear soon. So, it may not have been the intent, but the timing of this video is perfect for me. Interesting for sure knowing Dumble history and such, but also helpful because it inspired some confidence. Thanks MW. Always appreciate the straightforward and unassuming approach. Take care. No pressure to respond to this comment by the way.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Glad to hear it. A few years ago I would have never attempted something like this. It gets easier the more you push yourself

[@BlugubriousMusic]

@@MichaelWWestbrook I did a repair I will not mention here because I would get roasted ( I was successful, but if KZbin knew what I did... might as well Mod a Klon!)... I did it because no techs here in my area returned my call! One was a friend. But it is videos just like this that gave me confidence. Sincerely. I very much love your humble approach and honesty about limitations... all while still showing it can be done. No pontificating on how easy it is, or how right your way is, or how 'anyone can do it' as though there is not some real need to take it seriously and try to learn. Just right... in my opinion.

[@RobThesman]

Congrats - it sounds AMAZING!

[@norsangkelsang7939]

sounds good.

[@HoiPolloi]

I like your build process. I need to apply it to my projects.

[@k-9thecat765]

IT'S ALIVE.....!!!!

[@antreb15]

I shall endorse what others have already stated and just add that it sounds great. Fantastic work.

[@SamlonHoldfield]

Congratulations. A great accomplishment. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikkelKelsoFrandsen]

Sounds solid dude! The tones you are bringing out Of the amp in the end 🎉 congrats on your build!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! I’m sure it will only get better over time too!

[@brentstewart59]

Very cool amp you built there. Sounds great. There's a lot going on in one of these

[@godbyone]

Cleans were awesome

[@johnbrown4568]

Congratulations...

[@thisandthat176]

Congratulations! So cool that it finally runs! 👍🎸☺

[@onewiththings]

That's got to be a fun and rewarding project, but way above my pay grade.

[@bessiebraveheart]

Hello from England. The amp sounds really good.

[@charvelangel]

great job , sounds good

[@dougnasty99]

Wow, great….good job.

[@97guitarzan]

Really cool! Sounds great on here! Impressive!

[@frankieboy5859]

Great work! I had the pleasure to play a Howard Dumble Steel String Singer way back 40 years ago in a guitar shop but couldn't afford it. Will regret it until the end of my life.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Oh, man I’ve got a few of those though maybe not to that level!

[@furyiiiplate]

Wild Man, Real Wild Daddio. Sounds Amazin'

[@jcsk8]

Great tone.

[@tonymcalister9878]

Excellent work. Very rewarding.

[@steveg219]

Great job!

[@jasonstone1046]

What a great sounding build. Congrats mate :D

[@mickkraviz]

This is awesome! A really great vid and a spectacular amp build. Crazy cool!

[@WorshipGuitarResources]

I'm feeling super inspired! Sounds awesome!

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

nice finish.

[@bobvogt2242]

Amazing! Well done!! Your playing is good too!

[@nolatone]

Nice video! Here’s a great learning exercise: build a tweed deluxe kit, then converted to a Marshall Plexi circuit. You will learn things most have never experienced! Especially especially the Power supply.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Sounds fun

[@nolatone]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Are you in the Atlanta area? I'm up north of Atlanta. We could geek out if we're local to each other.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I am, I’m in Decatur. Sounds fun!

[@budmanzoom4441]

Nice build!!

[@Reyvil777]

Sounds fantastic

[@mikehoehn1475]

From my phone the tone is really good. I like your channel.

[@yellowtruckproductions7502]

Dang, that thing sounds good!

[@soapboxearth2]

After I saw your 5e3 vids I decided to build something. I found a series of videos by lowhearoom on KZbin. It was litterealy a step by step 5e3 build. Gave me so much insight and removed any doubt that I could pull it off. He has been very helpful . I chose the 5e3 because it was cheaper. But damn it sounds heaveny. I'm on my second build now. A guy named Jake has a couple vids and has also been very helpful so I'm doing his build, converting a fender hot rod deville. Tore out the pcb and I'm building a 59 bassman, plexi mix.. close to being done. Rob robinette mods .. Next up is a 18 watt marshall.. I think its an addiction lol

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

It is addicting for sure! I made a big jump between my second to third build - 18 watt Marshall w/6v6’s to Dumble 😂 Now I feel like I can do anything

[@soapboxearth2]

I'm following a layout diagram from another youtuber right now, he has been VERY helpful but the layout is reeeeally confusing so i have been referencing Rob Robinette and the original 5f6a ( which sadly has just confusedthings further ha) its forced me to learn a whole lot more though , and more importantly, come to the conclusion I need to learn to read proper schematics ..Its a 59 bassman with some plexi mods. Pentode triode switch, nfb switch, lar mar ppimv and I'm using a hot rod deville 410 as a donor. For that reason I'm using a diode rectifier . Man I vould have built half a dozen 5e3s in the time it's taken me to get this almost figured out 😅 .. Next up is a 18 watt tmb. A much easier task.. Also if you look there's a video of a guy who converts a hot rod fender amp to dumble. He uses an aftermarket pcb. An interesting build. Looks.quick and easy

[@timchalmers1700]

Incredible !! It sounds great !!

[@spudwashington3880]

Must be very satisfying to build an amp that sounds that good yourself .

[@bourbonloftstudio]

Bravo, my friend !

[@spencerfreed6947]

Man what an undertaking but kudos to you buddy!! Such a cool project and serious rabbit hole to jump in. Really think this is awesome content though thank you!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@fredzep01]

that sounds so sweet, congrats.

[@ginoames]

This is awesome. I love stuff like this.

[@guitarpoetone1]

WowZ thats amazing first time i love , it hope yer so proud of yer self thank you for doing this remarkable video im a guitarist but would love to understand amp building keep on bringing us yer amp knowledge thanks so much

[@peterbaker3878]

Wow man, this is so friggin cool! So happy for you, this project was very difficult and you made it look so easy haha. I say Job Well Done!!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I wouldn’t say it was easy! I tried to take my time and really make sure everything was right.

[@frankcrack777]

Sounds awesome !!!

[@JDAfrica]

Such clean work! Nice mate

[@timeconsumer325]

Sounds awesome!

[@Graffitiaprendiz]

Sounds killer. Cheers from Brazil

[@helmanfrow]

Congratulations. Sound killer.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@Hadiplaysmusic]

Sounds amazing!

[@mickdestiny6542]

Amazing.

[@pcanarsky]

Very very cool video!!!

[@doulos5322]

Congrats sounds great!

[@southsideronnie]

A little Wishbone Ash, nice! Sounds great!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I have to admit, I wasn’t familiar with Wishbone Ash so I had to look it up. Looks like I’ve got some homework to do, but sounds cool so far!

[@southsideronnie]

Check out Argus, a fine album. I thought you played a riff from Throw Down the Sword. But that amp...sounds great!!

[@southsideronnie]

Actually it's The King Will Come track. Sorry.